In January 2026, Russian military forces launched a total of 91 ballistic missiles at Ukraine, marking the highest monthly total since the onset of the full-scale invasion. This information was confirmed by the press service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
The Ministry emphasized its ongoing efforts to expedite the supply of missiles for the MIM-104 Patriot system, which is regarded as the most effective air defense system in use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The PAC-3 missiles, specifically designed for countering ballistic threats, are considered the most effective component of this system.
During a recent meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held in the Ramstein format, agreements were reached with several European partners for the urgent supply of Patriot missiles from their stockpiles.
Types of Patriot Missiles
- RAS-2: The earliest version of the Patriot missiles, equipped with fragmentation warheads that detonate before reaching their aerial targets, creating a cloud of debris. These missiles are effective against aerodynamic threats such as aircraft and cruise missiles, capable of engaging targets at altitudes of up to 24 kilometers and distances of up to 160 kilometers.
- PAC-3 CRI: These high-maneuverability interceptors achieve significant speeds and directly strike their targets using a kinetic engagement principle. They are effective against hypersonic aerial ballistic threats, capable of intercepting them at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers and distances of up to 40 kilometers.
- PAC-3 MSE: The latest and most advanced interceptors, featuring improved engines and enhanced maneuverability. Like the PAC-3 CRI, they employ a kinetic engagement principle but offer better dynamics and maneuvering capabilities. The PAC-3 MSE missiles can target ballistic threats at altitudes of up to 24 kilometers and distances of up to 60 kilometers.
The Ministry of Defense noted that throughout the ongoing conflict, the Patriot system has successfully intercepted nearly all known aerial threats. This includes advanced aircraft such as the Su-34 supersonic bomber, as well as strategic cruise missiles like the X-101, X-555, and Kalibr, in addition to aerial ballistic missiles such as the Kinzhal and the latest hypersonic missiles like the Tsirkon.
In January 2026, Ukraine experienced a record number of ballistic missile attacks from Russia, prompting efforts to enhance air defense capabilities. The MIM-104 Patriot system, supported by European partners, is central to Ukraine's strategy against these threats.